The Police News

Jamie Nash / The Police News

August 29, 2009

CONROE- Doug and Margaret Smith of Montgomery lived every parent's worst nightmare last Oct. 26, when an officer knocked on their front door and they learned their 18-year-old daughter would never cross that threshold again. Meghann Smith was killed by an intoxicated driver as she stood on the side of SH 105 West at Sapp Road, where she and her boyfriend were forced to make an emergency stop to change a flat tire.

Friday evening marked a bittersweet victory for the Smith family when 47-year-old Catherine Lynn Roberts of Panorama Village, was found guilty of intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid in the 435th District Court of Judge Michael T. Seiler.

According to Meghann's boyfriend, Lance Barton, and investigators, Roberts stopped long enough to learn she struck the teen, and then she fled. Barton, who was 19 at the time, was left alone with Meghann on the side of the road. Barton made a gut wrenching 911 call, trying to get help for his girlfriend, but it was too late.

The teen had the presence of mind to describe Roberts and her vehicle to the call taker. A description was broadcast and a patrol officer spotted and stopped Roberts, who failed a field sobriety test and was found to have a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.

Comments:

JUSTICE FOR MEGHANN! Meghann is my niece and the criminal actions of Mrs. Catherine Roberts has left my brother and his wife with so much pain and heartbreak from the sudden loss of their baby girl. We are all held accountable for our actions when we get behind the wheel. For this woman to make a choice to drive a vehicle when she had been drinking the entire day is monsterous. She is a murderer by vehicle instead of a gun but still a murderer. Prison is where she belongs.

Posted by Denise Strybos at 8/31/2009 1:49:17 PM

I would like to say on behalf of our family of Meghann Marie Smith that justice is served and Meghann is at peace now. This was a very bad choice for Catherine Roberts so I hope this punishment sends a very loud messege to the public that drunk driving is not acceptable any longer. Innocent lives are taken while the ones left behind is grief striken beyond your imagination. The Smiths said they do not wish this pain and suffering upon any family. Their were no winners in this case, just losers said Smitty and I agree. In Loving Memory of Meghann Smith Rest in Peace Daddy's Little Cowgirl. Forever loved & missed.

Posted by Donna Tully at 9/1/2009 5:15:28 AM